NCCM and AMAL-Québec condemn deadly terrorist attack at Quebec mosque

(Quebec City – January 30, 2017) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties & advocacy organization, and the human rights group AMAL-Québec are expressing outrage after a terrorist attack at a Quebec City mosque that left at least six worshippers dead and injured 8 others.

Two individuals were reportedly in custody following the shootings which unfolded on Sunday during evening prayers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec.

“We are horrified by this despicable act of violence. Our prayers and deep condolences are with the families of the victims. We urge authorities to find the remaining alleged suspect and bring all culprits swiftly to justice. This act of wanton murder must be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“We are heartened by the overwhelming support from fellow Canadians in this time of deep crisis. We must unite together against divisive forces that seek to harm our communities,” says Gardee.

The NCCM is calling upon law enforcement agencies across the country to increase patrols and security around mosques and Islamic centres.

“Quebec Muslims are frightened right now,” says Haroun Bouazzi, president of the AMAL-Quebec, a human rights group based in Montreal. “We are urgently waiting for answers as to how and why such a tragedy could occur.”

The NCCM urges Canadian Muslim communities across the country to review its Community Safety Guide and to immediately report any suspicious activities to law enforcement and also to the NCCM.